PHAGWARA: A violent clash erupted late last night near Sultanpur Lodhi near a roadside eatery, leaving three young men injured in what police believe was a fallout of an old rivalry. The injured were rushed to the Civil Hospital in Kapurthala for immediate medical treatment.
According to preliminary information, the victims have been identified as Karanbir Singh, a resident of Saidpur; Rinku, a resident of Shekhupur; and Gurbir Singh, a resident of Kartarpur.
Speaking from his hospital bed, Karanbir Singh recounted the terrifying moments leading up to the attack. He said that while he was having dinner at the dhaba, four to five vehicles arrived carrying nearly three dozen men. The assailants allegedly attacked them with sharp-edged weapons and opened fire without warning. During the attack, Gurbir Singh sustained a gunshot wound and collapsed on the spot, while the others suffered injuries from both the gunfire and the assault.
At the Civil Hospital, Dr. Yogita, the attending physician in the emergency ward, confirmed that the injured men were being treated for multiple wounds. She added that Gurbir Singh’s condition was critical due to the gunshot injury and he has been referred to a higher medical center for advanced care.
Upon receiving information about the incident, ASI Jaswinder Pal, Station In-Charge of Bhulana Police Station, arrived at the scene with his team and initiated an investigation. In his initial statement, ASI Pal said that the incident appears to be the result of an old enmity, though further investigation is underway to ascertain the full circumstances and identify all those involved.
Police teams are conducting searches in the area, and efforts are being made to obtain CCTV footage from nearby locations to trace the vehicles and suspects. The authorities have assured that strict legal action will be taken against the perpetrators once identified.